A Cinematic Engagement Session at Retzer Nature Center
A Cinematic Engagement Session at Retzer Nature Center
Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha is my favorite location for engagement photos in the Milwaukee area. From the versatility of the park, rolling hills, wooded boardwalk trails, and the overlooks. There’s just so much potential and I could spend hours here and still not be over it. Mikaela and Eli booked me for their engagement session at Retzer and it was such a good time. I didn’t expect to spend the whole evening laughing and running around with them while they were in their own world. It felt more like a date night to them, which is what I aim for in all my engagement shoots.
Retzer Nature Center Waukesha, Wisconsin
Retzer Nature Center is a nature preserve in Waukesha county. Retzer has a mix of everything from open rolling hills, tall grass, wooded trails, tall pine trees. There’s so much variety which means we get to walk around and explore the park together. Even though I’ve been here so many times, it’s always so fun to explore with each couple and try to find new spots. Sunset and blue hour here is such a vibe too with the open space.
What Makes an Engagement Session Feel Cinematic?
The word “cinematic” is used a lot, but what it really comes down to for engagement photos for me is three things: movement, light, and genuine connection. Not cheesy prompts and awkward poses. My approach to engagement sessions include direction, lots of movement, and are very emotionally grounded. One thing you really can’t fake or redo is connection and emotion, which is the best thing for cinematic engagement pictures.
Instead of prompts like “whisper what you ate in a dirty voice” and “walk towards me” (which don’t get me wrong this is still fun and depending on the couple I do still love to do these as well), I go for more “Look into each others eyes and whisper your weirdest compliment” or “walk towards the camera looking at each other like gravity is pulling you away”. Connection and direction over silly prompts and cheesy smiles is where it feel cinematic.
Engagement Photos at Retzer Nature Center
Mikaela and Eli were so fun to work with! Right when we started walking the trails together at Retzer they warmed up so fast and started having fun together. I’m always telling my couples to pretend I’m not around and they are on a random date night or being filmed for a rom com. It really did feel like I was just third wheeling on another date night with them.
Other Wisconsin Engagement Photos
If you’re looking for more engagement session inspo, check out these blogs:
#1 Reason You Need to Have Engagement Photos at Kohler Andrae
How to Prep for Engagement Photos in Wisconsin
Engagement Photoshoot Checklist Guide
Devils Lake State Park Engagement Photos
Wisconsin Engagement Photographer
If you’re engaged and looking for a photographer that will make your session feel unique to you and just like another fun date night out and not a stiff and awkward photoshoot, I’d love to work with you! Click this link to get in touch and start planning.
Hey there!! I’m Jessica, your go to Wisconsin and destination/ travel wedding, elopement, and boudoir photographer. I help couples ditch the big wedding stress and plan a wedding day that’s is authentic to them. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, a breathtaking micro wedding, a wedding at a venue, a cozy in home session, a picnic engagement session, or an intimate boudoir session in Milwaukee, I got you! I’m here to guide, plan, and capture it all in an authentic way. My style is storytelling, so expect real moments, genuine emotions, and photos that really feel like you. Let’s create a day that feels unique to the two of you
